|
Announcements Kathy Myers announced the following: -A committee has been formed to study options for lunch due to the deficit created by the small number of members buying lunch. -The Foundation requests for grant considerations need to be submitted by October 11, 2021. Amanda Senn -reminded members that the next After-Hours Party will be at Bistro on Main, October 6 5:00-7:00PM. -announced that the Lunch Committee President Kathy referenced, will be sending out a survey to the membership. Paul Organ -announced that North Water Brewery will sponsor a $1.00 per drink to the Hiram Farm Charity. Bill Childers -reminded members that the United Way Kick-Off will be at Midway Drive-In on October 6. There will be music, film, etc. and everyone is welcome. Randy Smith -announced that the 100th. Anniversary Committee will meet this afternoon following our regular meeting. 100th Anniversary Moment Jim Myers reported on the Presidency of Ted Rowe during the 1952-53 Rotary year. It was a full year and an interesting time! Read the full account in the eBulletin! Memorial Presentation Program Asad Khan introduced Dr. Melody Tankersley, Senior Vice President and Provost of Kent State University. She had the honor of serving as the Dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Services. She earned her doctoral degree from the University of Virginia and then appointed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Kansas before coming to KSU. Her professional career has focused on the social and behavioral development of children and youth, focusing on helping parents and teachers meet their needs. Using this month’s focus on Women in Leadership, she talked about her journey. She touched upon various themes. Her background and upraising occurred in a home at Pickens, South Carolina. Her father worked for the local electric company and her mother was a clerk for the city. Her teachers made a significant impression on her, and she frequently came home from school to “teach” her dolls and younger brother what she learned that day. She volunteered to be the teacher’s helper in school, doing everything she could to help. This continued through high school, finding herself helping students who struggled in school. She wanted to be a teacher, especially for students who had disabilities in learning. To go to college, Melody’s mother took a second job in the evening, her father helping her after his workday, all to help offset the costs of college. After graduation she landed a teaching job noting that at 21 years of age, her students were 17, 18, and 19 years of age, with educational and behavioral disabilities. After a few years, she realized that she was making a real difference in her student’s lives and decided to earn a master’s degree to help other teachers learn the skills she acquired in her teaching experience. Her focus was teacher education, which eventually led to Kent State University for 20 years. Over that time, she impacted 40 students per semester and a total of 1500 pre-service teacher students, as well as 2000 practicing teachers. In 2012 she followed the suggestion of then new Provost, Dr. Todd Diacon, to apply for the Dean’s position. She held that position for 9 years until appointed to the position of Senior Vice-President and University Provost. Her thoughts on leadership were derived from her experience to this point. They included the following: -Do your best in everything you are asked to do. -Have a vision of what you want to do. -Do what you are doing the very best you can. -Leadership is about influencing and supporting others. In reflecting on her journey, she believes the following concepts were critical in her success: - Building trust in people, especially helping to grow trust in themselves.
- Interact positively with others all the time.
- Control emotions in all interactions.
- Build on best practices.
- Listen to yourself and others.
- Communicate effectively.
She summed up by saying “You can go from teaching dolls and little brothers, to being a university administrator” using these concepts and feels privileged to be part of KSU and the city of Kent! She responded to a few questions from members. Her responses included: - the 60% female undergraduate enrollment versus the 40% male enrollment has an impact on majors, especially those that stereotypically been male dominated, such as engineering. -her biggest concerns were the impact of social media, that feeds unflattering traits in young people and negatively impacts their mental health. Responder The response was provided by Sandy Reid. She thanked Dr. Tankersley for her sharing her leadership journey. She noted that even being successful, she was humble in her presentation and had a sense of humor. And noted that Davey Tree appreciated her help. The meeting ended as President Kathy led us in the recitation of The Rotary 4-Way Test. Submitted by Roger Sidoti
|
Bill Childers invites Rotarians to:
